Abstract: Assays are provided for rapid detection, with high specificity of the pathogenic form of prion protein responsible for neurodegenerative diseases affecting humans and animals, such as transmissible spongiform encephalopathy in bovine, sheep, and cats. Also provided are assays for testing animal feedstock, such as animal feed, for the presence or concentration of pathogenic prion protein. Results are available in from about 0.5 to about 20 minutes and preferably within from about 5 to about 10 minutes. The assays employ proteinase-K to remove normal prion protein from a biological sample, so that the sample may be analyzed by immunochromatography to determine the presence and concentration of pathogenic prion protein. Because the proteinase-K is immobilized on a solid support for in situ removal of interfering components, the present invention obviates the need for subsequent extraction of the desired analyte.

Abstract: Assays are provided for rapid detection, with high specificity of the pathogenic form of prion protein responsible for neurodegenerative diseases affecting humans and animals, such as transmissible spongiform encephalopathy in bovine, sheep, and cats. Also provided are assays for testing animal feedstock, such as animal feed, for the presence or concentration of pathogenic prion protein. Results are available in from about 0.5 to about 20 minutes and preferably within from about 5 to about 10 minutes. The assays employ proteinase-K to remove normal prion protein from a biological sample, so that the sample may be analyzed by immunochromatography to determine the presence and concentration of pathogenic prion protein. Because the proteinase-K is immobilized on a solid support for in situ removal of interfering components, the present invention obviates the need for subsequent extraction of the desired analyte.

Abstract: Test devices, systems, and test kits are provided for rapid detection with high specificity of the pathogenic form of prion protein responsible for neurodegenerative diseases affecting humans and animals, such as transmissible spongiform encephalopathy in bovine, sheep, and cats. The present invention is also useful for testing animal feedstock made from animal parts. Results are available in from about 0.5 to about 20 minutes and preferably from about 5 to about 10 minutes after the sample is introduced to the device and system. The devices, systems, and test kits employ proteinase-K to remove noninfectious prion protein from a biological sample, so that the sample may be analyzed by immunochromatography to determine the presence and concentration of pathogenic prion protein. Because the proteinase-K is immobilized on a solid support for in-situ removal of interfering components, the present invention obviates the need for subsequent extraction of the desired analyte.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transition metal-ligand complex that shows changes in its luminescence lifetime characteristic and/or luminescence intensity as a function of the polarity and/or hydrogen bonding properties of its environment, and a sensor, probe, system and method based on the complex for detecting the presence, amount or concentration of a polar solvent in a medium.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a method of measuring an analyte in a sample includes the following steps. A metal-ligand complex probe is contacted with a sample containing analyte. The probe is bound to analyte in the sample to form an analyte-bound probe species. Both bound and unbound species of the probe exist in the sample. At least one of the bound and unbound species is fluorescent, with each of the bound and unbound species being optically distinguishable. The sample containing the bound and unbound species is excited with radiation, so as to produce a resulting emission from at least one of the bound and unbound species. The resulting emission is detected, so as to provide an optical measurement of the emission. Concentration of analyte in the sample is determined utilizing the optical measurement of the emission.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a method of conducting an assay of a sample containing an analyte of interest includes the step of forming a mixture so as to bring a metal-ligand complex into interactive proximity with the sample containing the analyte of interest. The mixture is irradiated with electromagnetic light energy so as to cause emission of light indicative of the analyte of interest. The emitted light is measured, and the measurement of the emitted light is utilized to measure the analyte of interest. The metal-ligand complex can be [Re(bcp)(CO)3(4-COOHPy)]+, [Os(phen)2(aphen)]2+, [Os(tpy)(triphos)]2+, [Os(tppz)2]2+, and [Os(ttpy)2]2+, or the like. Also, the present invention is directed to a metal-ligand complex of the formula [Re(bcp)(CO)3(4-COOHPy)]+.